PHOTO: LUISA GIRAO
The 8-year-old held an apricot sea star for the first time as part of the Aquavan event at the ILT Stadium Southland on Saturday.
"I love swimming, so it is pretty cool to interact with these animals so closely.
"The star feels a little spongy."
Children and adults took part in experiments, heard about their catchments and learned about marine animals with the help of the University of Otago’s Aquavan.
The event was hosted by Environment Southland, Department of Conservation, Thriving Southland and the University of Otago’s New Zealand Marine Studies Centre.
Curator Adelle Heineman said it was a great opportunity for the urban and rural community to interact and learn to work together to help protect the ocean.
